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Re: How To: McClicky Switch disassembly

Dead thread revival...

I'm looking to modify a McClicky to momentary-only operation. I haven't disassembled one yet but looking at these photos it seems pretty straight-forward. Anyone have any ideas on the best way to accomplish this? Yes, I want to eliminate the click of a McClicky...any thoughts?

Re: How To: McClicky Switch disassembly

I've got one that doesn't lock on. It's still clicks, just doesn't stay on.
Would that help, or are you looking for silence?
Probably stating the bl**din' obvious, but could you not replace the switch with a momentary, like a Surefire?

Re: How To: McClicky Switch disassembly

Originally Posted by NH Lumens

....
I'm looking to modify a McClicky to momentary-only operation. I haven't disassembled one yet but looking at these photos it seems pretty straight-forward. Anyone have any ideas on the best way to accomplish this? Yes, I want to eliminate the click of a McClicky...any thoughts?

I should clarify that I may have initially misunderstood your request ....

I first thought you were asking how to convert a McTC (or equivalent) from clicky to momentary.

Now I realize that you may be asking how to modify the McClicky mechanism itself to function differently. If that is the case, others here may have ideas on how to accomplish that.

Re: How To: McClicky Switch disassembly

A twisty SF momentary switch would also increase reliability, although I have the feeling that NH Lumens intends to modify a Malkoff MDC body. Again, stating the obvious, but no tail cap to swap out.

Yes, this - for a Malkoff Bodyguard.

I'm wondering if there is a way to limit plunger travel so it cannot be depressed far enough to click. Or, modify the ratchet to eliminate the click. The switches are cheap enough to replace but looking for ideas before I try modding it.

Re: How To: McClicky Switch disassembly

When you take the thing apart, you'll find that the switch plunger that sticks out fits to a tiny ratcheted plastic pin (like in a Parker Biro) inside the the body. there's a waher on the end of the pin that contacts with the metal ring that circles the switch. I reckon if you superglue the two pins together the ratcheting will (obviously) stop and you'll just get momentary.
If I get a chance this week I'll have a go. It's a switch that I've never bothered to reassemble, so it was an easy find.
I'll take some pics and put them up when I get the chance.
P

Re: How To: McClicky Switch disassembly

Yes, just took one apart and had a look. I'm going to try to find a drill bit that will fit in the body where the plunger rides and ream out the three splines that operate the ratcheting pieces. I will then epoxy the two ratcheting pieces together in the off (shortest) position to make sure they can't move. That will retain the full spring-loaded travel of the switch, but with no clicky.

Re: How To: McClicky Switch disassembly

Didn't see the three splines, I glued the two bits together in the off position, but it gave me permanent on. The end of the plunger was not sticking out as far as it did before I did the gluing, so your idea with the splines is the way to go.
Let me know how you get on.
P

Re: How To: McClicky Switch disassembly

1. Disassemble switch as shown in the beginning of this thread. No need to remove the battery spring.

2. With the button/ratcheting assembly removed, inside the switch housing where the button is installed, you will see three splines 120 degrees apart;

If you look closely at the housing in the photo above (piece on the far left), you can see two of the three splines inside the channel where the button rides. These three splines need to be removed.

3. The easiest way to do so is with a 17/64" drill bit. Simply hold the drill bit in a pair of Channel Lock pliers and then take the housing and turn it on the drill bit by hand. It doesn't take much to remove the splines.

4. Reassemble switch and reinstall - you will now have a smooth operating momentary-only switch with no click or constant-on operation.

Since McClicky switches can be found online for under $10 it makes sense to buy a spare in case you want to revert back to clicky operation.